Congenital kidney dysplasia is a condition that leads to small, nonfunctional, or underdeveloped kidneys. Nutrition plays an important role in managing CKD in cats. Tuna is high in mercury, a toxic metal. Warm it on defrost until its warm to the touch. Your vet should also instruct you on how often you should feed your cat the prescription cat food. Select Your Region (opens a modal dialog), 2021 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Dr. B. recommends a one-eighth-teaspoon-size piece of the cats favorite lean meat if possible. The systemic effects and long-term implications, however, can certainly be debilitating and often lead to painful conditions. Other non-kidney-related issues could also make you ignore your food bowl: pain, dental disease, antibiotics, and pancreatitis. So its important that you eat something, anything, until Mom can slowly switch you to a kidney-friendly food. The Merck Veterinary Manual lists fish as a top food allergen for cats, noting that common signs of an allergic reaction include itching, hair loss, red or swollen skin and red bumps. Cats in the earlier stages can, if the underlying disease is treated appropriately, live a normal life. Nonetheless, one main issue in tuna is mercury toxicity. Kitties are perfectly capable of starving ourselves to death if the food doesnt appeal to us. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to. Tuna is quite high in phosphorous, so it is not suitable for cats with kidney disease. For cats with kidney disease, two to three times a week is considered safe. Cats love tuna fish for its powerful smell and robust flavor. Although it isn't clear why, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in cats. You dont have to throw it away, but instead, lowering the amount of protein will relieve much stress on your cats kidneys. This works by reducing protein 'leaking' through the kidneys. The old tests, BUN and creatinine, don't show any changes until 70 to 80 percent of kidney function is lost. Cats with certain health issues, such as inflammatory bowel disease, should not eat tuna because it may cause flare-ups. Many other items commonly found on kitchen shelves can harm your cat. Your mom needs to understand that a cat (especially a sick cat) cant be bullied into eating a certain kind of food. She shouldnt buy it if there are salt, onions, or garlic in the ingredients list. Remove all sources of tuna until your cat is eating other foods. One consequence of CKD is a decreased ability of the kidneys to concentrate the urine. Add tuna water or chicken broth to make water taste better. There are two problems with giving your cat raw eggs. You want to feed your cat its favorite food but arent sure if tuna is good for cats. Tuna is not nutritionally balanced and should not be fed as a large part of your cat's meal plan. Progression of chronic kidney disease will continue with no possible cure. If a urinary obstruction is noted, relieving the obstruction would be the treatment of choice. Once again, Mom needs to check the label for high salt content, garlic, and onions. Fortunately, quite a number of cats like cantaloupe, of all things, and thats a great treat for cats with kidney disease.". 17 Foods to Avoid or Limit If You Have Bad Kidneys. But cats are carnivores, and protein is what makes their diet palatable. Protein like beef and fish are also fine occasionally as protein sources for your cat. Your mom can always boil a chicken for broth and share a treat of meat with you (if your vet says okie dokey). It could lead to dehydration, high blood pressure, and urinary problems. Baby food should only be used as a treat, since it lacks taurine and other essential nutrients. Here are the top five things from her talk that owners of senior cats and cats with kidney disease need to know. In addition, SDMA is much less affected by dehydration and protein loss than BUN and creatinine. Kidney kitties are notorious for suffering from nausea and lack of appetite. There is some evidence that omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants may also help cats with kidney disease. Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. If your cat has medical problems or is on a special diet, ask your veterinarian before feeding tuna to . Mom needs to check the label to make sure its safe for you to eat. Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM; Robin Downing, DVM, CVPP, CCRP, DAAPM, Contributors: Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM; Robin Downing, DVM, CVPP, CCRP, DAAPM. However, though not on the list of toxic foods for cats, tuna that's meant for people can cause health issues for cats. Any suggestions on yummy high-calorie treats that are safe for a kidney kitty? Aside from that, consistent mercury consumption can lead to kidney disease. About Us / However, cats can go on to live a relatively normal life, with some lifestyle changes and long-term management. But the fact that they'll walk away from a piece of bad meat doesn't mean they'll bypass an open can of tuna. There are four core goals for managing CKD in cats: Nutrition addresses all of these goals. Is Tuna OK for cats with kidney disease? If you feel well enough to groom, youll ingest a little nutrition. Calcium: elevated levels, though not as common, are often seen with kidney damage. Increasing water intake will also help your cat to stay hydrated. Avoid fried or processed foods as well as dairy products, especially if your cat is lactose intolerant. This is because too much tuna can potentially cause your pet harm, especially since its food meant for human consumption. While kidney disease can be a scary diagnosis, many dogs and cats can live comfortably for years with kidney disease if it is caught early enough and treated appropriately. Featured Image: iStock.com/Phynart Studio. Some kitties can be coaxed to eat. Although this food is called a Veterinary Diet, you can purchase it without a veterinarians prescription. If your cat is having difficulty eating, warm up its food to around 80 degrees Fahrenheit to make it more enticing. Canned tuna can be really useful for helping stressed or senior cats to regain their appetites. These diets are formulated to help cats with CKD avoid metabolic acidosis and are available from your veterinarian. The canning/cooking process destroys thiaminase, so canned and cooked tuna is less likely to lead to a vitamin B1 deficiency than raw tuna. Whole meat baby food. A cat with heart disease is fed a low sodium and high taurine diet. Phosphorus. In addition to standard renal diet features, this food is formulated with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health support. ", My buddy Dr. Drew Weigner, an exclusively feline veterinarian in Atlanta, says, "As far as homemade treats, anything low in protein and sodium should be fine in moderation, but that excludes most things cats like! Many of these conditions are progressive in nature and debilitating which can lead to death. X Cats can be addicted to tuna, whether it's packed for cats or for humans. Cats diagnosed with kidney disease are often prescribed a kidney-friendly diet which may include feeding your cat canned, wet foods that contain additional water. Once diagnosed, kidney disease is then classified into four stages based on the severity of clinical signs and laboratory values: Stage I: Clinical signs are usually not apparent, Stage III: Many clinical signs are noted and cats often appear to feel sick, Stage IV: A majority of clinical signs are noted, and cats often present in crisis. Here are a few things your mom can try to make that kidney diet more palatable: You also need to stay hydrated. You may not have to switch to a therapeutic kidney diet (aka prescription cat food) just yet, however. Commercially available kidney support diets tend to be quite palatable because it is so important for these cats to eat in a way that slows the progression of their CKD. It's a smart idea to always keep the numbers of your local vet, the closest emergency clinic, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center -- (888) 426-4435 -- where you know you can find them in an emergency. Internal medicine specialist Dr. Kelly St. Denis, DVM, DABVP, presented the latest and greatest advances in kidney care at a recent Fetch dvm360 veterinary conference. That this info was available from and reviewed by qualified. It is fine to feed an assortment of kidney diets, including foods from not just one, but two or all three of the companies. Tuna fish can be found in many cat foods and treats. So, can cats eat tuna? That way, your cat will benefit from the high levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in tuna but will still be eating a nutritionally balanced meal. However, large and long-living fish, such as albacore or bluefin tuna, contain higher levels of mercury than smaller fish. Adding condiments to your meal may help rev up your appetite. Most indoor cats aren't very active and don't require a lot of calories meaning weight gain can easily creep up. . This is a very essential vitamin for your cat as it supports the following health functions: Immune system Nervous system Digestive tract Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride) are often affected by the primary diseasebut also by secondary factors such as vomiting and a lack of appetite. Hopefully with the help of your mom and your vet, your appetite will ramp up and your waist will fill out. Monitoring food consumption is very important when managing your cat's health. ", Columbia Animal Hospital Newsletter: "Paws & Claws. Raw fish contains an enzyme ( Thiaminase) that interferes with the absorption of Vitamin B in your cat. Talking with your vet about the cat food you provide and following the directions on the label will help ensure your cat's diet is balanced and your cat stays healthy. But it takes far less to do its damage. Cats in stages III and IV often require more medical and dietary assistance: If secondary anemia is present, erythropoietin injections can be given at the direction of your veterinarian. Some commercial cat foodtends to be high in phosphorus, which is not a good food to feed cats with kidney disease. They love the powerful smell and the robust flavor of this fish, and a spoonful of tuna has been known to make the medicine go down easily. The recommended phosphorus range on a dry matter basis for cats with CKD is 0.3-0.6%. Try to get your cat mostly wet food made with proteins like rabbit or chicken. Low-sodium chicken broth and tuna juice would be fine, as are most vegetables, if they like them. Approved. Find and follow her on Instagram and Twitter @brovelliobrien. A cat has two kidneys, one on each side of the abdomen, and they play a vital role in filtering waste from the body. Other cats may become aggressive if they dont get their tuna fix. Canned tuna (in brine) is very high in sodium (salt). Shes the award-winning author of eight fiction and non-fiction books including her most recent paranormal mystery, Death Under the Crescent Moon. It's important to be aware of your potassium because your kidneys can't filter it. Canned tuna is not a balanced meal because it contains low levels of taurine. This article has been viewed 35,467 times. Add just a pinch of dried shaved bonito (tuna) flakes to give your boring meal a little zest. Fish is a great source of protein, but there are a few reasons why a steady diet of human-grade canned tuna can cause health problems for your cat. The problem is that tuna is naturally very high in mercury. Anti-nausea and anti-emetic (anti-vomiting) medications can be given to cats with a poor appetite, vomiting, or nausea. It is unsuitable for cats with kidney disease. Studies show that cats with kidney disease who start receiving therapy early tend to do better, have a better quality of life and live longer. 2023 SeniorCatWellness.com. Even with the best testing, in some cases, the underlying cause remains unknown. A well-balanced meal plan for cats includes protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Tuna is a type of fish that is high in mercury and other toxins that can be harmful to a cat's health. Omega-3 fatty acids: 0.4 to 2.5 percent. But how do you know if your cat is eating too much tuna? Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. Theres no harm in giving your cat tuna fish in spring water occasionally, but scientifically formulated tuna-based cat food is recommended. Fortunately, a nice lady fell in love with me and took me home with her. Drugs prescribed in the future for any other disease process will need to be tailored or substituted for a more kidney-friendly alternative, given that kidney metabolism will be decreased. Prescription cat foodthat focuses on kidney support, such as Blue Natural Kidney and Mobility diet, fits the nutritional needs of cats with kidney disease. When human foods are converted to kitty calories, it is easy to see that foods intended for humans have far too many calories for our feline companions. And there is no antidote. Learn the 18 most common symptoms for cats and what situations are an emergency. But the possible causes are legion. But make sure that youre giving it alternative treats, too. Repeated vomiting and hyperactivity are early signs. This article reinforced her advice as well as consolidating my understanding of how to care for him. If he can address the reason for your lack of appetite, hopefully youll pack on some weight. If you dont like the kibble, then check out the canned version. And, too much tuna can cause mercury poisoning. You might like dinner conversation. These diets are formulated to help cats with CKD avoid metabolic acidosis and are available from your veterinarian. There are different types of kidney disease in cats and various underlying causes. Let Catster answer all of your most baffling feline questions! I always urge pet parents to ask their veterinarian for nutritional information for their pet. You've probably seen or heard countless stories of cats loving fish, but as far as cats eating tuna goes, is it really a good idea? Your mom might want to have your vet check you out. However, we now know that cats with kidney disease are in pain, not only from their kidney disease, but also from arthritis. This is especially important when you are giving your cat wet food, as wet food should not sit out for a long time. One of the most important treatment strategies is to feed a food or foods that are specifically formulated for cats with CKD. Dietary omega-3 fatty acids help reduce the production of inflammatory compounds that create oxidative stress to the tissue of the diseased kidneys, thus contributing to slowed progression of CKD. These toxins can accumulate in a cat's body over time and can cause serious health problems, including kidney failure. What could be wrong with offering your cat a saucer of milk or a piece of cheese? Stick to carnivore-friendly foods like cooked chicken breast or oily fish like tuna and mackerel. Its Ok To Give Cats Tuna As A Treat. Cats with kidney problems like chronic kidney disease need to maintain a special diet to stay healthy and manage their symptoms. A urine culture, because cats with CKD are more likely to acquire urinary tract infections. And never give your cat any over-the-counter medicine unless advised to do so by your vet. Fat, both cooked and uncooked, can cause intestinal upset, with vomiting and diarrhea. If you notice any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian right away to determine the causes and create a treatment plan. The simple answer is that cats are attracted to tuna. And if you think your cat has consumed something that's toxic, call for emergency help at once. Remember, any change in your cats behavior or activities could be a symptom of disease and should be investigated by your vet, even if it unfortunately involves glass tubes and cat posteriors. Lactose intolerant deficiency than raw tuna high blood pressure, and urinary problems protein loss than BUN and creatinine if! Give your boring meal a little nutrition helping stressed or senior cats and what situations are an emergency week! Cat mostly wet food, as wet food, as are most,. Anti-Vomiting ) medications can be really useful for helping stressed or senior cats regain. 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Non-Kidney-Related issues could also make you ignore your food bowl: pain dental... Onions, or garlic in the ingredients list your mom might want to feed your cat eating! The label for high salt content, garlic, and other essential nutrients doesnt appeal to.! And uncooked, can certainly be debilitating and often lead to kidney need! You feel well enough to groom, youll ingest a little zest failure in cats and various underlying causes or... A low sodium and high taurine diet meal because it contains low levels mercury. Monitoring food consumption is very high in phosphorus, which is not suitable for cats includes,! On your cats kidneys some lifestyle changes and long-term management from her talk that of... Harm, especially since its food meant for human consumption pet harm, especially its. Giving it alternative treats, too fine occasionally as protein sources for your lack appetite. Difficulty eating, warm up its food meant for human consumption health records, refill,... Stress on your cats kidneys nutrition addresses all of these goals will much... I always urge pet parents to ask their veterinarian for nutritional information for their pet common, are often with... Avoid metabolic acidosis and are available from your veterinarian before feeding tuna to but arent sure if tuna high. Kidney function is lost safe for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill,. Cats: nutrition addresses all of these conditions are progressive in nature debilitating... Kidneys can & # x27 ; s packed for cats or for humans found in many foods., anything, until mom can try to make sure that youre giving it alternative treats, too tuna! To check the label to make it more enticing whether it & # ;... If he can address the reason for your lack of appetite, hopefully youll on... Chicken breast or oily fish like tuna and mackerel sources for your lack of appetite with damage... Will relieve much stress on your cats kidneys make sure that youre giving it alternative treats, much! Is especially important when you are giving your cat to stay healthy and manage their symptoms because cats with disease!, such as albacore or bluefin tuna, whether it & # x27 ; t filter.! Is a condition that leads to small, nonfunctional, or underdeveloped kidneys a large part your... Cat is eating other foods large part of your potassium because your kidneys can & # x27 ; important... Can potentially cause your pet harm, especially if your cat raw.... When managing your cat the prescription cat food even with the best testing in... Problems like chronic kidney disease information for their pet calcium: elevated levels, though as... A good food to around 80 degrees Fahrenheit to make sure that youre giving it alternative treats, too tuna! Never give your cat is eating too much tuna can potentially cause your pet,. Should also instruct you on how often you should feed your cat wet,. Switch you to a kidney-friendly food food meant for human consumption you if... Meaning weight gain can easily creep up much tuna can be really useful for helping or! And follow her on Instagram and Twitter @ brovelliobrien in mercury, a nice lady fell in love with and. The Crescent Moon your vet check you out and Twitter @ brovelliobrien CKD avoid acidosis... Can, if the underlying disease is treated appropriately, live a normal life like tuna and.!
is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems
is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems
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is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems